Neighbourhood Watch Group Gagged

Comments on 8 Top FM on the Darryl Manzie show by Alderman Dorothy Fox, revealed that Minister Delia Lawrie attempted to prevent members of the Neighbourhood Watch group from speaking out about crime issues in the Karama area.

During the interview Alderman Fox revealed that the local member suggested that concerns about crime not be talked about publicly because it would affect house prices.

"What is clear is that a Minister of the Crown attempted to intervene and prevent her constituents airing their concerns. Surely Territorians can expect to be able to speak out about issues in their communities without attempts being made by Ministers to silence them.” Ms Carney said.

"Importantly, the Minister admitted that there were large numbers of kids roaming the streets at night. She is the Minister for Family and Community services. What on earth is she doing? These kids are within her portfolio area of responsibility. Some of these kids clearly are in need of intervention and there is no evidence that she has done anything.

"During the interview, the Minister's comments sheeted responsibility home to the Police to do something. She didn't say what she was doing about this problem. She has a whole department to rely upon and a mandate from her Chief Minister to address the issue, but its clear she's forgotten what she's meant to be doing.

"Under Territory law, if a person is aware that kids may be in need of care then they are obliged to report it to the Department of Family and Community Services. The Minister gave no indication that she made any such report.

"It's hard to know what was stranger, the Minister's interview or her conduct generally. Either way she has demonstrated that she's a poor local member and an even poorer Minister.”

2006-05-12